Virtual accounts linked to financial accounts

ABSTRACT

Virtual accounts having alphanumeric identifiers different from an alphanumeric identifier of a financial account are linked to the financial account. Financial transactions performed in relation to the virtual accounts result in changing the current value of the financial account. The virtual accounts themselves do not have a current value apart from a current value of the financial account to which the virtual accounts are linked. Performance of the financial transactions in relation to the virtual accounts does not expose the alphanumeric identifier of the financial account that would otherwise be exposed if the financial transactions were performed in relation to the financial account. A given financial account is also linked to another financial account. Performance of a financial transaction in relation to this given virtual account thus results in changing the current value of one of the financial accounts to which it is linked.

BACKGROUND

Financial accounts are the lifeblood of many consumers, includingpeople, businesses, and so on. Consumers have a wide variety ofdifferent financial accounts from which to choose. Banking accounts,held at institutions like banks, credit unions, and so on, includechecking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, investmentaccounts, and other types of accounts. Card-oriented accounts includecredit card accounts, charge card accounts, debit card accounts, andother types of accounts.

SUMMARY

A computer-readable data storage medium of an embodiment of theinvention stores a computer program that is executable by a processor.Execution of the computer program by the processor causes a method to beperformed. The method includes receiving an alphanumeric identifier of afinancial account having a current value. The method includes generatingvirtual accounts. Each virtual account has an alphanumeric identifierdifferent from the alphanumeric identifier of the financial account. Themethod includes linking the virtual accounts to the financial account,such that financial transactions performed in relation to the virtualaccounts result in changing the current value of the financial account.The virtual accounts themselves do not have a current value apart fromthe current value of the financial account to which the virtual accountsare linked. Performance of the financial transactions in relation to thevirtual accounts does not expose the alphanumeric identifier of thefinancial account that would otherwise be exposed if the financialtransactions were performed in relation to the financial account. Atleast one virtual account has an account type identical to an accounttype of the financial account, and at least one other virtual accounthas an account type different than the account type of the financialaccount.

A method of an embodiment of the invention includes receiving, by aprocessor, an attempt to perform a financial transaction in relation toan account. The method includes the following in response to determiningthat the account is a virtual account linked to a first financialaccount having a current value and to a second financial account havinga current value. The processor selects a selected financial account fromat least the first financial account and the second financial accountbased on the financial transaction. The processor changes the currentvalue of the selected financial account to effectuate performance of thefinancial transaction. The virtual account itself does not have acurrent value apart from the current value of the first financialaccount and the current value of the second financial account to whichthe virtual account is linked. Performance of the financial transactionin relation to the virtual account does not expose an alphanumericidentifier of the selected financial account that would otherwise beexposed if the financial transaction were performed in relation to theselected financial account. The virtual account has an alphanumericidentifier different than the alphanumeric identifier of the selectedfinancial account.

A system of an embodiment of the invention includes a processor and acomputer-readable data storage medium. The computer-readable datastorage medium stores a computer program that is executable by theprocessor to perform the following. An alphanumeric identifier of afinancial account having a current value is received. Virtual accountsare generated. Each virtual account has an alphanumeric identifierdifferent from the alphanumeric identifier of the financial account. Thevirtual accounts are linked to the financial account, such thatfinancial transactions performed in relation to the virtual accountsresult in changing the current value of the financial account. Thevirtual accounts themselves do not have a current value apart from thecurrent value of the financial account to which the virtual accounts arelinked. Performance of the financial transactions in relation to thevirtual accounts does not expose the alphanumeric identifier of thefinancial account that would otherwise be exposed if the financialtransactions were performed in relation to the financial account. Atleast one virtual account has an account type identical to an accounttype of the financial account, and at least one other virtual accounthas an account type different than the account type of the financialaccount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings referenced herein form a part of the specification.Features shown in the drawing are meant as illustrative of only someembodiments of the invention, and not of all embodiments of theinvention, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, and implications tothe contrary are otherwise not to be made.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first example of a usage scenario of a virtualaccount, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second example of a usage scenario of a virtualaccount, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for creating a virtual account,according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for using a virtual account, accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams of network topologies in relation to whichthe system of FIG. 5 can be implemented, according to differentembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form apart hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specificexemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized,and logical, mechanical, and other changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the present invention. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the embodiment of the invention is defined only by theappended claims.

As noted in the background section, financial accounts, such as bankingaccounts and card-oriented accounts, are the lifeblood of manyconsumers. Furthermore, with the widespread acceptance of electronicpayment and deposit, many consumers choose to have many financialtransactions performed electronically in lieu of using cash and paperchecks. For example, rather than paying for goods and services usingcash or paper checks, many consumers use credit cards. As anotherexample, rather than receiving payment via cash or paper checks, manyconsumers provide their checking account information to a payor toreceive payment electronically. For instance, a landlord may receiverent monies from tenants each month by having the tenants directlytransfer money to the landlord's checking account, instead of writing apaper check.

However, with the increased utilization of financial accounts,particularly in an electronic manner, potential for fraud arises to thedetriment of consumers. A consumer who pays via debit card may have theaccount number and personal-identification number (PIN) surreptitiouslyintercepted, or “skimmed,” for nefarious gains. The interloper maycreate a counterfeit card with this information, and use the counterfeitcard to purchase items that are paid for out of the checking account towhich the consumer's debit card is linked. As another example, alandlord who provides the routing number and account number of his orher checking account so that tenants can pay their rent electronicallymay find that a malicious tenant is able to use this information towithdraw money from the landlord's checking account.

Embodiments of the invention thus provide for ways that can overcomethese disadvantages. A virtual account that has an alphanumericidentifier, such as an account number, different than an alphanumericidentifier of a financial account is generated and linked to thefinancial account. Financial transactions performed in relation to thevirtual accounts cause money to be withdrawn or added to the financialaccount itself; the virtual accounts themselves do not have their ownseparate monetary balances. Performance of the financial transactions inrelation to the virtual accounts further does not expose thealphanumeric identifier of the financial account that would otherwisenormally be exposed if the financial transactions were performeddirectly in relation to the financial account itself.

Furthermore, limits can be associated with the virtual accounts in someembodiments of the invention. A transaction that is attempted to beperformed against a virtual account is declined if any of the virtualaccount's limits are violated. For instance, one limit may specify adaily or per-transaction maximum amount of money that can be withdrawnfrom the financial account to which the virtual account is linked, sothat if the virtual account information is compromised, a maliciousperson will be unable to steal much money from the financial account. Asanother example, a limit may specify that a virtual account can be usedsolely to deposit money into the financial account to which the virtualaccount is linked, and not to withdraw money from the financial account.

In addition, a virtual account may be linked to more than one financialaccount in some embodiments of the invention. Rules may be specified forthe virtual account, which dictate which financial account should beused to perform a transaction proffered in relation to the virtualaccount. For instance, one rule may specify that transactions that areless than a predetermined amount are to be processed in relation to achecking account, whereas another rule may specify that transactionsthat are greater than this amount are to be processed in relation to acredit card account. As such, the same virtual account can be used fortransactions, but the transactions can in actuality be processed inrelation to different financial accounts to which this virtual accountis linked.

FIG. 1 shows a first example usage scenario 100, according to anembodiment of the invention. The usage scenario 100 includes a financialaccount 102 that has an alphanumeric identifier 104 that uniquelyidentifies the account 102. For example, the financial account 102 maybe a checking account. As such, the alphanumeric identifier 104 mayinclude an account number that uniquely identifies the checking accountat the financial institution at which the account is held, as well as arouting number that uniquely identifies the financial institutionitself.

Three virtual accounts 106A, 106B, and 106C, which are collectivelyreferred to as the virtual accounts 106, are linked to the financialaccount 102. The virtual accounts 106 also have alphanumeric identifiers108A, 108B, and 108C, respectively, which are referred to as thealphanumeric identifiers 108. The alphanumeric identifiers 108 uniquelyidentify the virtual accounts 106, and further are different than oneanother and different than the alphanumeric identifier 104 of thefinancial account 102.

The virtual accounts 106 may each be of the same account type, or adifferent account type, as that of the financial account 102. Forinstance, the financial account 102 is a checking account in the exampleof FIG. 1. The virtual account 106A, by comparison, may be a credit cardaccount or a debit card account. As such, the alphanumeric identifier108A may specify a card number, an expiration date, and a three- orfour-digit “secret” number. By comparison, the virtual accounts 106B and106C may be checking accounts, and thus their alphanumeric identifiers108B and 108C may have the same routing number as the alphanumericidentifier 104 of the financial account 102, but different accountnumbers.

The virtual accounts 106 also have limits 110A, 110B, and 110C,respectively, which are collectively referred to as the limits 110A. Forexample, the limit 110A of the virtual account 106A specifies a maximumdaily amount that may be charged against the financial account 102 usingthe virtual account 106A. The holder of the financial account 102 maythus use the virtual account 106A for his or her regular and smallerpurchases, knowing that if the virtual account 106A becomes compromised,the holder knows that if this fact is discovered within a day, that onlythe maximum daily amount can be stolen from the underlying financialaccount 102.

The limit 110B of the virtual account 106B may specify that the virtualaccount 106B can only be used for deposit purposes, and not forwithdrawal or payment purposes. The holder of the financial account 102may thus use the virtual account 106B to receive payment from payors.The holder knows that even if an unscrupulous payor tries to use thevirtual account 106B to make a purchase, such a transaction will bedeclined as violating the limit 110B.

The limit 110C of the virtual account 106C may specify no restrictionson the utilization of the virtual account 106C. The holder of thefinancial account 102 may thus use the virtual account 106C sparingly,with particularly trusted parties and/or for unusually large purchases.An advantage of using the virtual account 106C instead of the financialaccount 102 directly, however, is that if the virtual account 106C doesbecome compromised, the holder only has to obtain a new virtual accountin replacement, instead of a new financial account.

FIG. 2 shows a second example usage scenario 200, according to anembodiment of the invention. The usage scenario 200 includes a virtualaccount 202 that has an alphanumeric identifier 204 that uniquelyidentifies the account 202. For example, the virtual account 202 may bea credit card account. The virtual account 202 is linked to threefinancial accounts 206A, 206B, and 206C, which are collectively referredto as the financial accounts 206. The financial accounts 206 likewisehave alphanumeric identifiers 208A, 208B, and 208C, respectively, andwhich are collectively referred to as the alphanumeric identifiers 208.

The financial account 206A may be a credit card account, such that thevirtual account 202 and the financial account 206A are of the sameaccount type. The financial account 206B may also be a credit cardaccount, such that the virtual account 202 and the financial account206B are also of the same account type. The financial account 206C bycomparison may be a checking account, meaning that the virtual account202 and the financial account 206C are of different account types.

The virtual account 202 has a number of rules 210, which specify againstwhich financial account 206 a financial transaction is to be processedwhen using the virtual account 202. For example, online purchases 212Amade using the virtual account 202 may be processed against thefinancial account 206A. By comparison, in-person, or physical, purchases212B made using the virtual account 202 may be processed against thefinancial account 206B. Foreign purchases 212C, or purchases thatotherwise are denominated in foreign currency, made using the virtualaccount 202 may be processed against the financial account 206C. Theholder of the financial accounts 206 is thus able to segment his or herpurchases even when using the same virtual account 202 for allpurchases.

FIG. 3 shows a method 300, according to an embodiment of the invention.The method 300 can be performed by a processor of a computing device. Assuch, the method 300 can be implemented as a computer program stored ona computer-readable data storage medium. Execution of the method 300 bythe processor thus performs the method 300.

Alphanumeric identifiers of one or more financial accounts are received(302). Each financial account is a real, as opposed to a virtual,financial account, that has a current monetary balance, which may bezero. Examples of financial accounts include checking accounts, savingsaccounts, money market accounts, investment accounts, credit cardaccounts, and other types of financial accounts. The alphanumericidentifiers may thus include account numbers, financial institutionrouting numbers, and/or other types of alphanumeric identifiers.

A monetary balance is more generally a value. As such, a financialaccount can include such accounts that have actual monetary balances,such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and so on, as noted above.However, a financial account can also include such accounts that have avalue, but that do not have a monetary balance per se. For instance, abrokerage account, such as a retirement account, can include shares ofstocks and/or bonds. The current number of shares may be considered thecurrent value of the account, even if there is no current monetarybalance of the account.

Virtual accounts are generated (304). Each virtual account has analphanumeric identifier that is different from the alphanumericidentifier of the financial accounts. At least one virtual account mayhave an account type identical to an account type of one of thefinancial accounts, and at least one other virtual account may have anaccount type different than the account type of one of the financialaccounts. Examples of account types include card-type accounts, bankingaccounts, and so on.

The virtual accounts are each linked to at least one of the financialaccounts (306). As such, financial transactions performed in relation toeach virtual account result in changing the current monetary balance ofone of the accounts to which the virtual account is linked. The virtualaccounts do not themselves have current monetary balances apart from thecurrent monetary balance of each financial account to which the virtualaccounts are linked. Performance of financial transactions in relationto a virtual account further does not expose the alphanumeric identifierof any financial account to which the virtual account is link, as wouldotherwise normally be exposed if the financial transactions wereperformed directly in relation to the financial account.

Limits associated with each virtual account may be set (308). As such,attempted performance of a financial transaction in relation to avirtual account does not succeed, and does not change the currentmonetary balance of any financial account to which the virtual accountis linked, if the financial transaction violates the limit. The limitscan include specifying that deposits can be made into a financialaccount to which a virtual account is linked, via the virtual account,but that payments or withdrawals cannot be made from this financialaccount via the virtual account.

The limits can similarly include specifying that withdrawals andpayments can be made from a financial account to which a virtual accountis linked, via the virtual account, but that deposits cannot be madeinto this financial account via the virtual account. The limits mayfurther include a maximum amount of withdrawals or payments that can bemade from a financial account to which a virtual account is linked, viathe virtual account, on a per-transaction basis and/or on a per-timeperiod basis. For example, a given financial transaction may not bepermitted to exceed a given amount, and the transactions for aparticular day may not be permitted to exceed the same or differentamount.

For virtual accounts that are each linked to more than one financialaccount, rules may be associated with each such virtual account (310).When a financial transaction is presented to a virtual account that islinked to more than one financial account, one of the financial accountsis selected of which the current monetary balance is to change inaccordance with the transaction. The rules can thus be evaluated todetermine which financial account should be used for a particulartransaction presented against the virtual account to which a number ofvirtual accounts are linked.

A first rule may specify that one of the financial accounts to which avirtual account is linked is a default financial account. As such, thecurrent monetary balance is to change when a financial transaction ispresented against the virtual account, if no other rule applies to thefinancial transaction. A second rule may specify that if the financialtransaction involves an amount greater than a predetermined amount, aparticular financial account to which the virtual account is linked isto be selected for its current monetary balance to change when thetransaction is performed.

A third rule may specify that when a financial transaction relates to aparticular merchant and/or a particular type of merchant, a particularfinancial account to which the virtual account is linked to is to beselected for its current monetary balance to change when the transactionis performed. As such, the same virtual account can be used at differentmerchants and/or different types of merchants, while the underlyingfinancial accounts that are used to make such purchases can vary. Afourth rule can specify that when a financial transaction relates to aparticular type of currency, such as foreign currency, a particularfinancial account to which the virtual account is linked is to beselected for its current monetary balance to change when the transactionis performed.

A fifth rule can specify that a particular financial account to whichthe virtual account is linked based on a parameter associated with eachfinancial account. For instance, of all the financial accounts to whichthe virtual account is linked, a particular financial account that has astatement date farthest from the present date may be selected, toachieve a maximum amount of “float” for the financial transaction. Asanother example, of all the financial accounts to which the virtualaccount is linked, a particular financial account that has the mostfavorable exchange rate for a foreign currency in which the financialtransaction is denominated may be selected.

FIG. 4 shows a method 400, according to another embodiment of theinvention. As with the method 300 of FIG. 3, the method 400 can beperformed by a processor of a computing device. As such, the method 400can be implemented as a computer program stored on a computer-readabledata storage medium. Execution of the method 400 by the processor thusperforms the method 400.

An attempt to perform a financial transaction in relation to an accountis received (402). For example, a credit card may have been presented bya consumer to make payment for goods or services using the credit card.As another example, a payor may have presented the alphanumericidentifier of the account to attempt to make payment to the account.

If the account is a virtual account (404), if the virtual account has anassociated limit (406), and if the transaction violates the limit (408),then the financial transaction is declined (410). As such, the financialtransaction is not performed. However, if the account is a virtualaccount (404), and if the virtual account does not have an associatedlimited (406), or if the virtual account has an associated limit (406)but the financial transaction does not violate this limit (408), and ifthe virtual account is linked to multiple financial accounts (414), thenone of these financial accounts is selected (416). The current monetarybalance of the selected financial account is thus changed to effect thefinancial transaction (418). For instance, if the financial transactionis a withdrawal or a purchase, then the current monetary balance isdecremented by the amount of the transaction, whereas if the financialtransaction is a deposit, then the current monetary balance isincremented by the amount of the transaction.

Likewise, if the account is a virtual account (404), and if the virtualaccount does not have an associated limit (406), or if the virtualaccount has an associated limit (406) but the financial transaction doesnot violate this limit (408), and if the virtual account is linked tojust one financial account (414), then the current monetary balance ofthis financial account is changed to effect the transaction (418).Similarly, if the account is not a virtual account (404), then thecurrent monetary balance of this financial account is changed to effectthe transaction (418). The method 400 thus permits a consumer to use avirtual account to perform a financial transaction, where the currentmonetary balance of an underlying financial account is changed to effectthe transaction. The virtual account may or may not have a limit, andmay be linked to one financial account or to more than one financialaccount.

FIG. 5 shows a rudimentary system 500, according to an embodiment of theinvention. The system 500 may be implemented over one or more computingdevices. As such, the system 500 includes a processor 502 and acomputer-readable data storage medium 504. The computer-readable datastorage medium 504 stores a computer program 506. Execution of thecomputer program 506 from the computer-readable data storage medium 504causes the system 500 to perform the functionality of the method 300and/or the method 400 that have been described.

The system 500 can be implemented in a wide variety of different networktopologies, or architectures. FIGS. 6A and 6B show two different suchtopologies 600, according to different embodiments of the invention. InFIG. 6A, there is a client 602 that is communicatively connected to aserver 604 over a network 606. The network 606 may be or included wiredand/or wireless networks, intranets, extranets, telephony networks,local-area networks, wide-area networks, the Internet, and/or othertypes of networks.

The client 602 may be a computing device of an end user that holds thefinancial accounts. For instance, the client 602 may be a desktop or alaptop computer, a tablet computing device, a mobile phone-typecomputing device, and so on. The client 602 may alternatively be acomputing device of a retailer that is processing a transaction onbehalf of the end user that holds the financial accounts. In thisrespect, too, the client 602 may be a desktop or a laptop computer, atablet computing device, a mobile phone-type computing device, as wellas a point-of-sale (POS) terminal or device, and so on. What isrepresented as the client 602 in FIG. 6A may include both of these typesof devices as well.

In FIG. 6A, what is represented is the server 604 can be or include oneor more computing devices that performs the methods 300 and 400 of FIGS.3 and 4 that have been described. For instance, the server 604 may be asingle computing device. Alternatively, the server 604 may be more thanone computing device that interact with one another to perform themethods 300 and 400. It is contemplated that a single entity, such as asingle bank or other financial institution, controls the server 604 inthe embodiment of FIG. 6A, and as such, maintains both the virtualaccounts for the end user, as well as the actual financial accounts forthe end user.

By comparison, in FIG. 6B, while the client 602 and the network 606 areas in FIG. 6A, the server 604 of FIG. 6A has been bifurcated into twoserver devices: a virtualization server 604A and a financial server604B. As in FIG. 6A, however, each of the servers 604A and 604B can inactuality be more than one computing device that performs particularfunctionality. However, the server 604 of FIG. 6A is divided into twoservers 604A and 604B to convey that the entity that controls the server604A is different than the entity that controls the server 604B.

For instance, the virtualization server 604A may be controlled by anentity that provides for and maintains the virtual accounts for the enduser. As such, the virtualization server 604A performs the method 300 ofFIG. 3, as well as the method 400 of FIG. 4 except for part 418 thereof.By comparison, the financial server 604B may be controlled by an entity(or entities) that maintain the actual financial accounts for the enduser. As such, the financial server 604B performs part 418 of the method400, as directed by the virtualization server 604A.

Consider, for example, a situation in which an end user has a number ofdifferent financial accounts, maintained by different financialinstitutions. Each financial institution thus has or maintains acorresponding financial server 604B. However, to link these differentfinancial accounts with one or more different virtual accounts, the enduser employs the services of a potentially different entity thatcontrols the virtualization server 604A. In this respect, then, the enduser is not limited to virtual account services provided by his or herfinancial institutions in the example of FIG. 6B, as may be the case inthe example of FIG. 6A. Furthermore, the end user is not limited tohaving a virtual account that is linked to just his or her financialaccounts maintained by the same financial institution.

While FIGS. 6A and 6B show two different example topologies in relationto which embodiments of the invention can be implemented, otherembodiments are not so limited. Rather, FIGS. 6A and 6B serve to showtwo particular scenarios in which embodiments of the invention can beimplemented. In FIG. 6A, the entity that maintains the financialaccounts of an end user is also likely the entity that maintains thevirtual accounts of this end user. By comparison, in FIG. 6B, the entityor entities that maintain the financial accounts of an end user islikely different than the entity that maintains the virtual accounts ofthis end user.

It is noted that, as can be appreciated by one those of ordinary skillwithin the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as asystem, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of theembodiments of the invention may take the form of an entirely hardwareembodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining softwareand hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a“circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the presentinvention may take the form of a computer program product embodied inone or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable programcode embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium include the following: an electrical connection havingone or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a randomaccess memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, amagnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium maybe any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use byor in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program codeembodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using anyappropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline,optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of theforegoing.

In general, a computer program product includes a computer-readablemedium on which one or more computer programs are stored. Execution ofthe computer programs from the computer-readable medium by one or moreprocessors of one or more hardware devices causes a method to beperformed. For instance, the method that is to be performed may be oneor more of the methods that have been described above.

The computer programs themselves include computer program code. Computerprogram code for carrying out operations for aspects of the presentinvention may be written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages, including an object oriented programming language such asJava, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer,partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partlyon the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely onthe remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remotecomputer may be connected to the user's computer through any type ofnetwork, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network(WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (forexample, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Aspects of the present invention have been described above withreference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods,apparatus (systems) and computer program products according toembodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block ofthe flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations ofblocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It is finally noted that, although specific embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve thesame purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Thisapplication is thus intended to cover any adaptations or variations ofembodiments of the present invention. As such and therefore, it ismanifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claimsand equivalents thereof.

1. A computer-readable data storage medium storing a computer programexecutable by a processor, such that execution of the computer programby the processor causes a method to be performed, the method comprising:receiving an alphanumeric identifier of a financial account having acurrent value; generating a plurality of virtual accounts, each virtualaccount having an alphanumeric identifier different from thealphanumeric identifier of the financial account; and, linking thevirtual accounts to the financial account, such that financialtransactions performed in relation to the virtual accounts result inchanging the current value of the financial account, such that thevirtual accounts themselves do not have a current value apart from thecurrent value of the financial account to which the virtual accounts arelinked, and such that performance of the financial transactions inrelation to the virtual accounts does not expose the alphanumericidentifier of the financial account that would otherwise be exposed ifthe financial transactions were performed in relation to the financialaccount, wherein at least one virtual account has an account typeidentical to an account type of the financial account, and at least oneother virtual account has an account type different than the accounttype of the financial account.
 2. The computer-readable data storagemedium of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises, for a givenvirtual account of the virtual machines, setting a limit associated withthe given virtual account but not with the financial account, such thatattempted performance of a financial transaction in relation to thegiven virtual account does not succeed and does not change the currentvalue of the financial account if the financial transaction violates thelimit.
 3. The computer-readable data storage medium of claim 2, whereinthe limit provides one of: that deposits can be made into the financialaccount via the given virtual account but that withdrawals and paymentscannot be made from the financial account via the given virtual account;and, that withdrawals and payments can be made from the financialaccount via the given virtual account but that deposits cannot be madeinto the financial account via the given virtual account.
 4. Thecomputer-readable data storage medium of claim 2, wherein the limitprovides one of: a maximum amount of a withdrawal or a payment that canbe made from the financial account via the given virtual account on aper-financial transaction basis; and, a maximum amount of withdrawals orpayments that can be made from the financial account via the givenvirtual account on a per-time period basis.
 5. The computer-readabledata storage medium of claim 1, wherein the financial account is a firstfinancial account, and wherein the method further comprises: receivingan alphanumeric identifier of a second financial account having acurrent value; linking a given virtual account of the virtual accountsto the second financial account, such that the given virtual account islinked to both the first financial account and the second financialaccount, such that performance of a financial transaction in relation tothe given virtual account results in changing the current value of oneof the first financial account and the second financial account.
 6. Thecomputer-readable data storage medium of claim 5, wherein the methodfurther comprises associating one or more rules with the given virtualaccount, wherein the one or more rules are evaluated when the financialtransaction is performed in relation to the given virtual account todetermine whether the current value of the first financial account orthe current value of the second financial account is to be changed as aresult of the performance of the financial transaction.
 7. Thecomputer-readable data storage medium of claim 6, wherein the rulescomprise one or more of: a first rule specifying that one of the firstfinancial account and the second financial account is a defaultfinancial account of which the current value is to be changed as aresult of the performance of the financial transaction when no otherrule applies to the financial transaction; a second rule specifying thatwhen the financial transaction involves an amount greater than apredetermined amount, the current value of a particular one of the firstfinancial account and the second financial account is to be changed as aresult of the performance of the financial transaction; a third rulespecifying that when the financial transaction relates to one of aparticular merchant and a particular type of merchant, the current valueof a particular one of the first financial account and the secondfinancial account is to be changed as a result of the performance of thefinancial transaction; a fourth rule specifying that when the financialtransaction relates to a particular type of currency, the current valueof a particular one of the first financial account and the secondfinancial account is to be changed as a result of the performance of thefinancial transaction; a fifth rule specifying that a particular one ofthe first financial account and the second financial account is to bechanged as a result of the performance of the financial transaction,based on a parameter of each of the first financial account and thesecond financial account, the parameter being one of a statement dateand a foreign currency exchange rate.
 8. The computer-readable datastorage medium of claim 1, wherein the financial account is one of: achecking account, a savings account, a money market account, aninvestment account, and a credit card account.
 9. The computer-readabledata storage medium of claim 1, wherein the alphanumeric identifier ofthe financial account comprises one or more of: an account number, and afinancial institution routing number.
 10. A method comprising:receiving, by a processor, an attempt to perform a financial transactionin relation to an account; in response to determining that the accountis a virtual account linked to a first financial account having acurrent value and to a second financial account having a current value,selecting, by the processor, a selected financial account from at leastthe first financial account and the second financial account based onthe financial transaction; changing, by the processor, the current valueof the selected financial account to effectuate performance of thefinancial transaction, wherein the virtual account itself does not havea current value apart from the current value of the first financialaccount and the current value of the second financial account to whichthe virtual account is linked, wherein the performance of the financialtransaction in relation to the virtual account does not expose analphanumeric identifier of the selected financial account that wouldotherwise be exposed if the financial transaction were performed inrelation to the selected financial account, and wherein the virtualaccount has an alphanumeric identifier different than the alphanumericidentifier of the selected financial account.
 11. The method of claim10, further comprising, in response to determining that the financialtransaction violates a limit associated with the account, declining, bythe processor, the financial transaction such that the financialtransaction is not performed.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thelimit provides one or more of: that deposits can be made into thefinancial account via the given virtual account but that withdrawals andpayments cannot be made from the financial account via the given virtualaccount; that withdrawals and payments can be made from the financialaccount via the given virtual account but that deposits cannot be madeinto the financial account via the given virtual account; a maximumamount of a withdrawal or a payment that can be made from the financialaccount via the given virtual account on a per-financial transactionbasis; and, a maximum amount of withdrawals or payments that can be madefrom the financial account via the given virtual account on a per-timeperiod basis.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the selectedfinancial account based on the financial transaction comprisesevaluating one or more rules associated with the given virtual accountto determine, and wherein the rules comprise one or more of: a firstrule specifying that one of the first financial account and the secondfinancial account is a default financial account of which the currentvalue is to be changed as a result of the performance of the financialtransaction when no other rule applies to the financial transaction; asecond rule specifying that when the financial transaction involves anamount greater than a predetermined amount, the current value of aparticular one of the first financial account and the second financialaccount is to be changed as a result of the performance of the financialtransaction; a third rule specifying that when the financial transactionrelates to one of a particular merchant and a particular type ofmerchant, the current value of a particular one of the first financialaccount and the second financial account is to be changed as a result ofthe performance of the financial transaction; a fourth rule specifyingthat when the financial transaction relates to a particular type ofcurrency, the current value of a particular one of the first financialaccount and the second financial account is to be changed as a result ofthe performance of the financial transaction; and, a fifth rulespecifying that a particular one of the first financial account and thesecond financial account is to be changed as a result of the performanceof the financial transaction, based on a parameter of each of the firstfinancial account and the second financial account, the parameter beingone of a statement date and a foreign currency exchange rate.
 14. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the financial account is one of: a checkingaccount, a savings account, a money market account, an investmentaccount, and a credit card account.
 15. The method of claim 10, whereinthe alphanumeric identifier of the financial account comprises one ormore of: an account number, and a financial institution routing number.16. A system comprising: a processor; a computer-readable data storagemedium storing a computer program executable by the processor to:receive an alphanumeric identifier of a financial account having acurrent value; generate a plurality of virtual accounts, each virtualaccount having an alphanumeric identifier different from thealphanumeric identifier of the financial account; and, link the virtualaccounts to the financial account, such that financial transactionsperformed in relation to the virtual accounts result in changing thecurrent value of the financial account, such that the virtual accountsthemselves do not have a current value apart from the current value ofthe financial account to which the virtual accounts are linked, and suchthat performance of the financial transactions in relation to thevirtual accounts does not expose the alphanumeric identifier of thefinancial account that would otherwise be exposed if the financialtransactions were performed in relation to the financial account,wherein at least one virtual account has an account type identical to anaccount type of the financial account, and at least one other virtualaccount has an account type different than the account type of thefinancial account.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the computerprogram is executable by the processor further to, for a given virtualaccount of the virtual machines, set a limit associated with the givenvirtual account but not with the financial account, such that attemptedperformance of a financial transaction in relation to the given virtualaccount does not succeed and does not change the current value of thefinancial account if the financial transaction violates the limit. 18.The system of claim 17, wherein the limit provides one or more of: thatdeposits can be made into the financial account via the given virtualaccount but that withdrawals and payments cannot be made from thefinancial account via the given virtual account; that withdrawals andpayments can be made from the financial account via the given virtualaccount but that deposits cannot be made into the financial account viathe given virtual account; a maximum amount of a withdrawal or a paymentthat can be made from the financial account via the given virtualaccount on a per-financial transaction basis; and, a maximum amount ofwithdrawals or payments that can be made from the financial account viathe given virtual account on a per-time period basis.
 19. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the financial account is a first financial account,and wherein the computer program is executable by the processor furtherto: receive an alphanumeric identifier of a second financial accounthaving a current value; link a given virtual account of the virtualaccounts to the second financial account, such that the given virtualaccount is linked to both the first financial account and the secondfinancial account, such that performance of a financial transaction inrelation to the given virtual account results in changing the currentvalue of one of the first financial account and the second financialaccount.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the computer program isexecutable by the processor further to associate one or more rules withthe given virtual account, wherein the one or more rules are evaluatedwhen the financial transaction is performed in relation to the givenvirtual account to determine whether the current value of the firstfinancial account or the current value of the second financial accountis to be changed as a result of the performance of the financialtransaction, and wherein the rules comprise one or more of: a first rulespecifying that one of the first financial account and the secondfinancial account is a default financial account of which the currentvalue is to be changed as a result of the performance of the financialtransaction when no other rule applies to the financial transaction; asecond rule specifying that when the financial transaction involves anamount greater than a predetermined amount, the current value of aparticular one of the first financial account and the second financialaccount is to be changed as a result of the performance of the financialtransaction; a third rule specifying that when the financial transactionrelates to one of a particular merchant and a particular type ofmerchant, the current value of a particular one of the first financialaccount and the second financial account is to be changed as a result ofthe performance of the financial transaction; a fourth rule specifyingthat when the financial transaction relates to a particular type ofcurrency, the current value of a particular one of the first financialaccount and the second financial account is to be changed as a result ofthe performance of the financial transaction; and, a fifth rulespecifying that a particular one of the first financial account and thesecond financial account is to be changed as a result of the performanceof the financial transaction, based on a parameter of each of the firstfinancial account and the second financial account, the parameter beingone of a statement date and a foreign currency exchange rate.